LSU privatization deals approved for 4 hospitals

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved contracts to privatize four more of its public hospitals, in agreements still missing key financing details.

Approval from the board Tuesday handed authority to sign off on final deals, including items like the amount for rental payments, to LSU System President William Jenkins.

The contracts cover privatization of LSU's hospitals in Houma, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. Backing came despite concerns from some lawmakers, who told board members that more information was needed to make sure the state was getting a good deal.

LSU board Chairman Hank Danos says he's confident in the contracts because the university system and Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration have been vetting the arrangements with lawyers and technical experts.